WHITE COTTON TOWEL: Allergen Or Not An Allergen?

Not An Allergen.

White Cotton Towel:

While just rough textures in a towel can already be irritating to sensitive skin, pure, unbleached, un- or minimally-treated (such as with chlorine), un-dyed or white cotton is not an allergen. If you have sensitive skin, avoid the towel that’s blue, red, or brightly colored as it probably contains dyes, many of which are allergens. If you have clothing contact dermatitis, even a bright white towel can indicate extensive bleaching and processing. Opt instead for more raw fabrics with no dyes, bleaches, chlorine, or preservatives.

TIP: If you have sensitive skin, when you first purchase clothing, bags, towels or linens, wash them two to three times with an allergen-free laundry soap before using them. If you share a washing machine, you may need to rinse it a few times first with just water to remove residue from other laundry detergents.

If you think you might have contact dermatitis, ask your dermatologist for a patch test. If they suspect clothing, they may use a specific patch test tray with more allergens related to clothing materials and dyes.

References:

Regularly published reports on the most common allergens by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group and European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (based on over 28,000 patch test results, combined), plus other studies. Remember, we are all individuals — just because an ingredient is not on the most common allergen lists does not mean you cannot be sensitive to it, or that it will not become an allergen. These references, being based on so many patch test results, are a good basis but it is always best to get a patch test yourself.

9. Foliaki S et al. Antibiotic use in infancy and symptoms of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis, and eczema in children 6 and 7 years old: International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase III. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2009 Nov;124(5):982-9.